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Restaurant reviews from Richmond, Virginia and beyond by real fans of good food.

Chadar Thai (again)

I really like Thai food. I can’t say I like as many dishes, as say, Chinese, but then again, “Chinese” encompasses so much “more” with regards to size and the like, right? But I have my favorites: noodles, curry sauce, spicy basil and ginger-based sauces, etc.

Tonight I returned to a favorite, perhaps my favorite in Richmond: Chadar Thai located on West Broad Street. And I don’t have a lot new to say about this place than I have said before.

They never have many customers for dinner.
Some seats are uncomfortable
The decor is nothing to write-home about
It’s always very quiet. (Whisper, yes?)
The food is amazing…

Yes, of course, I come for the last item on that list. I haven’t been disappointed yet. The Diet Pepsi is so good it tastes like Diet Coke. Tonight I tried the spicy eggplant with tofu, served opposite rice. It was flavorful, just spicy enough, and utterly delicious.

What new was there, then? The dessert. It was complimentary. And it was, dare I say, the best part (and not because it was free). The service size was small—so you’d feel funny paying $4-5 for it… and who sells a $3 dessert? So, yes, the free part is great, but it was one of the best “soul pleasing” desserts I’ve had, to round-off a meal. Perfectly sized, most delicious.

It is a sweet rice (tinged red by something, perhaps red bean?) that is served very warm, and it has been cooked in coconut milk. The pile of rice is covered in something that looks like mango on top. What it is, I am not sure… I imagine it to be some kind of sweet custard sheet. It’s soft, and cool… together, the creaminess of the custard and the warmth of the rice was so enigmatically pleasing.

It is a rustic, if not simple dessert, but one that was satisfying. As was the whole meal.

I give full nods to Chadar.

Filed by MessyChef at June 1st, 2007 under Asian, Restaurant Review

My wife and I have had similar experiences there. We’re always the only people in the restaurant, the owner is an absolute joy to talk to (but very quiet) and the food is tasty.

Sounds like you enjoyed a little sticky rice with mango (Kow Neuw Mamuang) for dessert. A little sticky rice, mango, coconut milk and a dash of sugar. Good stuff.

Comment by Tripp — June 2, 2007 @ 5:42 am

I have only gotten take out from Chadar Thai, but like the other reviewers, I am amazed that the place has so few diners because the food is amazingly good EVERY TIME. My favorite is a rice and seafood dish - I never remember the name. Fortunately, I get it so often the owner knows what I want and I think starts writing my order when I walk in the door! All the dishes I have gotten from them are perfectly seasoned, refreshingly light, very flavorful, and just the right size.

Comment by Anita — August 22, 2007 @ 2:37 pm

Looks like your plea paid off. The last time we were there was Thursday night. They had 5 tables with customers. That must be a record for them. Usually they had only one. I think words started ti get out that this place is good.

Comment by xs — August 24, 2007 @ 2:22 pm

I must say that I’ve had the same experience there completely. It is a restaurant with SO MUCH potential. The charm and name of it is just not there yet in Richmond. The food is delectable. My boyfriend loves the spicy noodle (dry). I’ve gotten standard fair, like pad thai, and some more adventurous, and I must say, the exotic tastes amazing, and the regular dishes are the best in Richmond (by far). If you liked Thai Diner back in the day when it was peaking, then you’ll love Chadar Thai, because the main cook is at this restaurant now (not sure if he is the owner, I think he is though). Last year, my boyfriend would go to Thai Diner, but it would be so inconsistent. However, now you notice the fabulousness every time at Chadar.

So good. ALso, the free fried banana dessert is yummy as well. Still not as good as the custard.

I wish more people knew of them! They are amazing and so sweet:)

Comment by Tricia — December 4, 2007 @ 10:23 pm

Yep, the owner is Tony, and he was a waiter at Thai Diner for many years. His sister I think is the cook. I’ve been very happy with the food. And, since I’ve known Tony for years scheduled a large dinner there. They have a back room you know that is perfect for this. The only problem was the service. The didn’t add extra staffing in either the kitchen or the waitstaff and all the food came out over about an hour. Many people were ready to leave before others got there food. It was akward. So, I’d go back, but not with a group until they resolve that.

Comment by jonah — March 16, 2008 @ 7:09 pm

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